Return of the Cicada

Emily Fay

May 21, 2024

This summer, a once-in-a-lifetime event will take place: two broods of periodical cicadas are expected to emerge at the same time. This event last occurred in 1803 and will not happen again until 2245.

In May and June, millions of cicadas from Brood XIII and Brood XIX will emerge from the soil to shed their exoskeletons. They will transform from wingless juveniles, or nymphs, into adults and leave behind husks on the ground and trees.

Below is a map of the expected cicada emergence. The blue dots represent Brood XII, and the red dots represent Brood XIX.

Blue = Brood XIII —— Red = Brood XIX

What are Periodical Cicadas?

Great Eastern Brood of Periodical Cicada Brood X in Maryland during the 2021 emergence.

Periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) are known for their long life cycles, mass emergences, and noisy behaviors. After hatching, the immature cicadas, called nymphs, spend 13 or 17 years underground feeding on roots. During the final molt of their exoskeleton, they tunnel to the surface to emerge from the ground.

Periodical cicada adults have black bodies, red eyes, and orange wing veins, with a black “W” near the tips of the forewings. They do not sting or bite as they do not have defensive mechanisms. These cicadas are only found in eastern North America and emerge every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species.

The Cicada Noise

Shortly after emerging and molting their exoskeleton, male cicadas begin producing species-specific songs. This is done using a pair of tymbals, or ridged membranes, found on the first abdominal segment. During an emergence, males gather in “choruses” or aggregations, usually in high, sunlit branches. Female cicadas, who do not have sound-producing organs, will visit these “choruses” and mate.

How to Manage Cicadas During the Emergence

Below are tips from the EPA for managing cicadas during the short time they are above ground.

• No need to spray. Pesticides are generally ineffective in keeping cicadas away. So many cicadas emerge at once that more will inevitably move in. Spraying also doesn’t make sense because cicadas are usually harmless. Applying pesticides to control cicadas may harm other organisms, including animals that eat cicadas. Pesticides can be harmful to other non-target, beneficial insects. Pets and people may also be unnecessarily exposed to pesticides.
• Cicadas do not bite or sting! Cicadas are not poisonous or venomous and are eaten by many organisms. Cicadas are not dangerous to pets. If dogs or cats eat many cicadas, this may temporarily cause an upset stomach or vomiting, but there is no need to worry if a pet eats a small number of cicadas.
• Take simple steps to protect young trees. Young trees may need protection from cicadas. Cover them in mesh or netting with ¼-inch or smaller openings. This will protect against damage that could occur when cicadas deposit their eggs in small tree branches. Cicadas cannot harm larger, more established trees.
• Cicadas will go away! Cicadas will not eat leaves, flowers, fruits, or garden produce. It is not necessary to take special precautions to cover or apply additional insecticides in your garden. Above ground, adult cicadas only consume small amounts of sap from trees and shrubs.